The bill amends the law regarding postmortem examinations in cases of apparent drug, alcohol, or poison toxicity. Specifically, it modifies the conditions under which a county coroner is required to submit a decedent to the State Crime Laboratory for such examinations. The previous requirement that a significant interval must not have passed while the person was hospitalized has been deleted, allowing for a more streamlined process in these cases.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new definition for "hospitalized," clarifying that it refers to a person being admitted to a hospital for inpatient treatment. This change aims to ensure that the criteria for conducting postmortem examinations are clear and consistent, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of investigations into deaths related to substance toxicity.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1568 V2 - 2-27-2025 10:41 AM: 12-12-318(a)
Old version HB1568 Original - 2-24-2025 04:12 PM: 12-12-318(a)
HB 1568: 12-12-318(a)
Act 289: 12-12-318(a)